Is eating balanced expensive?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.By using key methods that maximize the nutrient value for your dollar, you can make eating a well-balanced diet financially possible. For instance, fruits and vegetables that are in season and purchased in bulk are 30-50% less than off-season imports. Lentils and other budget proteins provide the same amount of protein as meat but cost a fraction of what meat costs. These monetary efficiencies make healthy eating possible for any pocketbook with the proper planning.
Minimize waste by planning meals and utilizing efficient storage methods. Utilize vegetable scraps for stocks and utilize leftovers efficiently. Proper food storage prolongs the life of produce and cuts grocery frequency. I save my clients $50 monthly while teaching them these waste reduction techniques which align nutrition with beneficial budgetary methods.
Seasonal Bulk Buying
- Produce Timing: Purchase berries in summer ($2/pint) versus winter ($5/pint)
- Preservation: Freeze extras maintaining nutrients for 8-12 months
- Storage Solutions: Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers for grains
- Local Sources: Farmers markets offer 20-30% savings over supermarkets
Budget Protein Focus
- Legume Advantage: Lentils provide 18g protein per cup at $0.10/oz
- Egg Versatility: Affordable complete protein at $0.15-0.25 each
- Canned Fish: Sardines offer omega-3s cheaper than fresh salmon
- Tofu Economics: Half the cost of chicken breast per gram protein
Smart Shopping Tactics
- Unit Pricing: Compare cost per ounce not package price
- Perimeter Focus: Prioritize whole foods avoiding processed inner aisles
- Sale Cycles: Buy proteins Wednesday when markets restock
- Bulk Bins: Save 20-40% on grains, nuts, and spices
Grow herbs indoors in the ease of your windowsills and enjoy them for $3 bunches instead of spending myriad dollars each market trip. Grow sprouts in jars for health-giving green food, at no cost from the market, at most. These economical, easily maintained houseplant offerings will provide you with all the green foods you want throughout the year and save you money against the same funds expended on market trips.
Measure your return on investment from your nutritional intake by your energy and health experience. Note your reduced illness tracks lower medical bills. Compute the cost of meal preparation against the extra cost of take-out. This financial benefit demonstrates a long-term saving by healthy intake that comes through health.
Read the full article: Balanced Diet Benefits for Optimal Health
